Designation: D6249 06 (Reapproved 2011)

Standard Guide for

Alkaline Stabilization of Wastewater Treatment Plant

Residuals1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6249; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope*

3. Terminology

1.1 This document provides guidance for use of reactive

alkaline materials (quicklime, hydrated lime, high lime fly ash,
or other byproducts) for treating wastewater solids (biosolids)
to reduce pathogen levels and achieve compliance with regulatory requirements. Federal (40 CFR, Part 503) regulations for
use or disposal of biosolids became effective on March 22,
1993; refer to USEPA regulations and guidance documents for
information on other treatment processes or for specific requirements for use or disposal of biosolids.

3.1 AcronymsThese are defined by operating parameters

(for example, time, temperature) whose values must be met in
order for biosolids to be used in various ways as a nutrient
source/soil conditioner. Ref. 40 CFR Part 257.
3.1.1 PFRPProcesses to Further Reduce Pathogens
(equivalent to 503 Class A).
3.1.2 PSRPProcesses to Significantly Reduce Pathogens
(equivalent to 503 Class B).

1.2 Additional requirements may be imposed by individual

states, and these are available through state regulatory agencies
that issue permits for treatment and use or disposal, or both, of
biosolids.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 Operators of power and other plants producing alkaline
by-products and wastewater treatment plant operators needing
to treat and manage wastewater solids will find this guide
helpful in dealing with their materials.

1.3 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.

4.2 This guide provides the tests, procedures, and parameters that should be considered to significantly reduce pathogens in wastewater treatment plant solids by the addition of
manufactured or by-product alkaline materials(1).4

2. Referenced Documents

5. Alkaline Materials Characteristics

2.1 ASTM Standards:2

C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
2.2 USEPA Publication:
Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 503,
Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge; Final
Rules, 58 FR 9248-94043

5.1 Chemical Composition: Alkaline materials may be

tested for Available Lime Index (ALI) in accordance with the
optional chemical test of Table 1. Other chemical components,
if required, may be determined in accordance with the appropriate procedure when requested by the purchaser.
5.2 Reactivity:
5.2.1 Alkaline materials should be tested for pH and heat of
hydration (heat rise or slaking rate) in accordance with the
recommended tests of Table 2.
5.3 Physical Characteristics:
5.3.1 Alkaline materials should be tested to determine the
particle size in accordance with the recommended physical
tests of Table 3.

This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C07 on Lime and is
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on Specifications and Guidelines.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011. Published July 2011. Originally approved
in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6249 06. DOI: 10.1520/
D6249-06R11.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.

6. Process Performance
6.1 PFRP (Class A) Alkaline Treatment of Biosolids:
4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this guide.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

D6249 06 (2011)
TABLE 1 Optional Chemical Test
Test Method
C25
A

Component
Available Lime Index (ALI), %

6.1.3.1 Reactivity is dependent upon the interaction between the alkaline reagent and the material to be treated.
Reactions occur as the alkaline material contacts the biosolids.
The finer the alkaline product, the greater the potential for a
more rapid pH/temperature elevation.
6.1.3.2 Reagent reactivity affects mixing time and dosage
rate and must be considered in process design.
6.1.4 Moisture Content:
6.1.4.1 Adequate moisture must be present to react with the
free CaO (as measured by Available Lime Index, ALI, as per
Test Methods C25) to generate heat and elevate pH. Generally,
dry biosolids cakes (18 to 30 %) require a more intimate mix to
ensure proper penetration and reaction than is required by wet
biosolids (less than 18 %).
6.1.4.2 The calcium oxide in the reagent must react with the
moisture in biosolids (hydration) producing calcium hydroxide
and heat. The moisture content in the biosolids mass must be
sufficient to allow the hydration reaction to occur between the
selected reagent (CaO concentration and fineness) and biosolids mass.
6.1.4.3 Biosolids cakes with a high moisture content will
tend to react faster than biosolids with a low moisture content.
6.1.5 Biosolids Type:
6.1.5.1 Case-by-case alkaline material demand should be
determined for each biosolids type through pilot testing using
the actual biosolids cake and proposed reagents for each
project. Develop process guidelines for alkaline additions by
biosolids type and alkaline additive characteristics.
6.1.5.2 Biosolids with a high moisture content may require
a higher dose ratio than drier dewatered biosolids cake when
dosage ratios are expressed on a dry weight basis.
6.1.6 Reaction Time and Curing Time:
6.1.6.1 Heat will be generated as hydration of calcium oxide
occurs. The reaction time will vary depending on reagent
composition moisture content of the biosolids mass, and mixer
efficiency.
6.1.6.2 Reaction times to effect pathogen reduction are
established by applicable federal and state regulations.
Reaction/cure times depend upon a number of variables and
should be pilot-tested using the actual biosolids cake, alkaline
admixture, mix unit, cure vessel, and testing protocol and
acceptance criteria to assure compliance with regulatory standards.
6.1.6.3 For alkaline treatment processes, one of the three
performance criteria is required:
(1) The time-temperature relation established in 40 CFR
503.32 (a) (3) (Alternative 1). Selected time-temperature
values are as follows:

Specification
A

To be specified only as required by purchaser.

TABLE 2 Recommended Reactivity Tests

ASTM Test Method
C25
C110B

Component
pH
Heat rise, C

Specification
$ 12.0A
C

Based on 40 CFR Part 503 for pH >12 for 2 h or more.

Modify Test Method C110 to proportion alkaline reagent in lieu of quicklime.
Alkaline material and water ratio may need to be modified to obtain measurable
results. Any modification of Test Method C110 must be clearly stated on the
analysis report.
C
To be specified only as required by purchaser.
B

TABLE 3 Recommended Physical Test

ASTM Test Method
Component
C110
Amount retained on 600 m
(No. 30 mesh), %
C110
Amount retained on 75 m
(No. 200 mesh), %
A

Specification
A

To be specified only as required by purchaser.

6.1.1 MixingThorough mixing of the biosolids and stabilization reagent must be provided to ensure uniform pH
distribution and pathogen reduction throughout the biosolids
mass (2). Effective mixing depends upon achieving the appropriate ratio of alkaline material to biosolids cake uniformly
distributed throughout the treated biosolids.
6.1.1.1 Biosolids with a high moisture content will require
less mixing energy than high-solids biosolids cake.
6.1.1.2 Biosolids characteristics will determine the proper
type of equipment or system required for adequate mixing.
Incomplete mixing can cause odor release during product
storage or application and may lead to failure to meet regulatory requirements for pathogen and vector control.
6.1.2 Particle Size:
6.1.2.1 Given an adequate moisture supply using alkaline
agents (for example, CaO) with smaller particle sizes will
facilitate rapid and efficient mixing of agents with biosolids
and increase reaction rates and pH, resulting in higher temperatures and greater pathogen reduction.
6.1.2.2 Since dusts are more easily generated from finely
divided particles, precautions should be taken to prevent
exposure to eyes and mucous membranes, which may result in
irritation.
6.1.2.3 Reactivity and particle size also affect the rate of
dust and mist emissions from reactors or mixing devices, or
both. Particulate release may require scrubbing, water spray, or
other emission controls on reactors or mixing devices for
aesthetic reasons or to meet regulatory requirements.
6.1.2.4 Very small particle size may also lead to air
slaking or recarbonation of active lime particles if the material
is exposed to high humidity. Air slaked/recarbonated materials
will not achieve the pH necessary to meet regulatory requirements.
6.1.3 Reactivity (Heat and pH Elevation):

Biosolids
Moisture >7 %
Moisture <7 %

Temp, C
Time, hours
Time, hours

50
316
120

55
63
24

60 65
70
13 2.5 0.5
4.8 0.95 0.19

75
0.10
0.04

80
0.020
0.008

(2) The pH-time, temperature-time, drying procedure in 40

CFR 503.32 (a) (4) (Alternative 2). Basically, the biosolids are
held at a pH above 12 for 72 hours with a 12-hour period in
which the temperature exceeds 52C, followed by air drying to
a solids content exceeding 50 %.
2

D6249 06 (2011)
6.1.10.1 Product utilization may be affected by solids content to aid in control of microbial regrowth during storage to
minimize odor potential at application sites and during storage
or to improve end-product marketability and physical handling
characteristics.
6.1.11 On-Site Storage:
6.1.11.1 On-site storage may be required for a land application or marketing program of the tested product. Programs
that produce an end-product for sale should consider on-site
storage capacity to meet the seasonal fluctuations in market
demand, the scheduling needs of the consumer, and production
rates of the generator.
6.1.11.2 On-site storage may require odor control for endproducts with high moisture content or a low alkaline reagent
dosage rate.

(3) Pasteurization (40 CFR 503, App. B, Part BPFRP

Option 7) in which the biosolids are maintained at a minimum
temperature of 70C for 30 minutes.
6.1.6.4 Ammonia or other odors released may require water
spray, scrubbing, gas capture, or control of emission.
6.1.7 Reaction/Cure Vessels or Containers:
6.1.7.1 Consideration should be given to minimize heat
losses through materials management, configuration, and materials of construction for processes that require extended
curing times.
6.1.7.2 Proper temperatures can be maintained without an
insulated vessel by adding adequate alkaline reagent to compensate for heat loss. However, some situations may benefit
from an insulated vessel to efficiently retain the heat to meet
PFRP temperature requirements.
6.1.7.3 For processes using a windrow, at a minimum, the
mixture should be at least 18 inches thick at all locations in the
pile to ensure heat retention throughout the entire mass for the
applicable curing time. Thin areas at the pile extremities should
be avoided as they will not retain adequate heat and can lead to
potential regrowth and recontamination of the entire mass.
6.1.8 Process Testing Requirements:
6.1.8.1 Process testing requirements vary with the specific
alkaline process selected.
6.1.8.2 Temperature and pH measurements for the requisite
time periods should be recorded to comply with pathogen
reduction (and vector attraction reduction). Daily testing may
include monitoring and documenting the elevated temperature
and pH for a predetermined period of time (see 6.2.6 for
details). Some methods also require documentation of reduced
moisture content and mixing.
6.1.8.3 Procedures to monitor or collect samples for analysis are developed for each project based upon site-specific
conditions considering the process selected, equipment
utilized, volumes of materials to be processed, local state and
federal regulatory requirements, and local conditions (3).
6.1.9 Process Testing Schedule:
6.1.9.1 Testing must be conducted in accordance with
federal, state, and local regulations. Product testing, to meet
end-use requirements, will be site-specific. Under 40 CFR Part
503 regulations, pathogen (salmonella, virus, protozoan, and
helminth egg) or indicator organism testing and pollutant
concentration (metals) testing requirements are:
Amount of Biosolids
(dry metric tons/365 days)

Frequency

> 0 and < 290

$ 290 and < 1500
$ 1500 and < 15 000
$ 15 000

Once per year

Once per quarter
Once per 60 days
Once per month

6.2 PSRP (Class B) Alkaline Treatment of Biosolids:

6.2.1 MixingThorough mixing of the biosolids and chemical reagent must be provided to ensure uniform pH distribution
and pathogen reduction (2). Mechanical mixing to achieve a
homogeneous blend of reagent throughout the biosolids mass
depends upon a number of factors, including achieving the
proper ratio of alkaline reagent to biosolids, and sufficient
moisture to enable the reaction to occur.
6.2.1.1 Incomplete mixing or an inadequate reagent dosage
rate can cause odor generation and release during product
storage or application and failure to meet regulatory pathogen
or vector control requirements.
6.2.2 Alkaline Reagent Particle Size:
6.2.2.1 Reactions occur as the alkaline reagents contact the
moist biosolids particles. The rate of reaction of the alkaline
reagent tends to increase with: (1) finer reagent particle size,
and (2) increased free moisture content. Reagents with a finer
(smaller) particle size distribution generally are more easily
and uniformly blended into the biosolids.
6.2.2.2 When using an alkaline slurry, or treating liquid
biosolids, particle size may not be as critical as long as
sufficient mixing and reaction time are provided.
6.2.3 Reactivity (pH elevation):
6.2.3.1 Care must be taken to ensure moisture will not come
into contact with the reagent prior to entering the mixer. Air
slaking of the alkaline reagent can be a problem in long-term
storage or pneumatic transfer systems. Guidance for proper
storage of reactive alkaline materials can be found in Lime
Handling, Application and Storage, National Lime Association
Bulletin 213.
6.2.3.2 Increasing the alkaline reagent oxide concentration
may increase potential for reactivity.
6.2.4 Moisture Content:
6.2.4.1 Moisture content affects the pH by permitting the
alkaline reagents to dissociate, releasing hydroxide ions, increasing the pH. As moisture increases, it is easier for the
alkaline material to disperse, penetrate, react, and dissociate,
thus generating hydroxide ions throughout the mixture.
6.2.4.2 Care should be exercised when working with biosolids cakes with greater than 30 % solids content to ensure a
complete uniform reaction is achievable.
6.2.5 Biosolids TypeBiosolids characteristics will impact
on the required dosage rates for specific alkaline reagents.

6.1.9.2 In addition, at a minimum, daily operating records

should be maintained documenting compliance with applicable
requirements (for example, process time/temperature, pH,
solids concentrations, and fecal coliform levels) (4).
6.1.10 Product Solids Content:
3

D6249 06 (2011)
Therefore, site-specific process guidelines should be developed
through actual pilot studies for alkaline additions by biosolids
type and alkaline additive characteristics. Liquid biosolids
require less mixing energy to achieve a uniform distribution of
alkaline reagent (and therefore uniform pH) throughout the
mixture than do cake biosolids.
6.2.6 Reaction Time:
6.2.6.1 For dry reagents, after uniform mixing with biosolids is complete, the alkaline metal oxides must hydrate to
hydroxides and penetrate the biosolids mass. The presence of
hydroxides will increase biosolids pH.
6.2.6.2 When working with biosolids cake with low moisture content or reagents with low reactivity due to particle size
or oxide content, longer curing time (contact period) may be
required to allow the hydration reaction to occur.
6.2.6.3 At elevated pH values, ammonia compounds in the
biosolids or water dissociate to release ammonia gas (NH3).
The biosolids may exhibit a transient pH of 12 or more due to
unreleased ammonia in the form of unstable ammonium
hydroxide (NH4OH). Once the NH4OH dissociates and the
ammonia dissipates, the pH may fall. Therefore, the amounts
of reagent added should take this factor into account and not be
based on the short-term NH4OH effect on pH. The strong odor
of ammonia release is a signal to be alert to this process
occurring.
6.2.7 Process Testing RequirementspH > 12 for two
hours.
6.2.7.1 When testing a liquid/solid mixture with a system
designed for liquids (pH probe), care must be taken to keep
flow of sample moving across the pH probe surface for
accuracy. Clean the electrode frequently, paying particular
attention to the reference electrode junction. Bits of adherent
biosolids or alkaline agent can strongly alter the measured pH,
resulting in erroneous values not representative of the entire
mass of material. pH measurements should be made at 25C, or
corrected for sample temperature differences as shown in Table
4, which demonstrates the temperature/pH relationship as the
measured pH approaches the regulatory limit.

the concentration of the test sample due to solubility that changes with
temperature are not compensated by these controls. For example, at 30C:
Correction Factor (CF) = 0.03 pH units (Tmeas 25C)
CF = 0.03 (30 25); CF = 0.03 5
CF = + 0.15
Actual pH = Measured pH 6 the Correction Factor
Actual pH = 12.304 + 0.15 = 12.454

6.2.7.2 pHCalibrate routinely with laboratory-grade standards developed for high pH monitoring.
6.2.8 On-Site Storage:
6.2.8.1 PSRP (Class B) biosolids have regulatory restrictions preventing application of material to a site during
inclement weather, standing water, ice- or snow-covered fields.
6.2.8.2 On-site storage should be considered to hold
biosolids, unless backup options are available when application
sites cannot be used. Storage design must address regulatory
concerns for runoff or leachate and local site-specific concerns
for odor. Storage capacity should be consider worst-case
weather conditions.
6.2.8.3 Microbial recontamination and regrowth is possible
at pH < 10, with concomitant odor potential.
7. End Use Criteria
7.1 Matrix of Product Factors:
7.1.1 Table 5 addresses various factors that influence specific product criteria for alkaline-treated biosolids. The relative
importance of these criteria will depend on the type of product
and its intended use; for example, for agricultural liming
material, CaCO3 equivalency and friability for handling will be
important, along with metal levels, which must meet Table 3 of
EPAs 503 Rule for a product to be sold or distributed.
EPA 40 CFR Part 503.13 (13 (Table 3)
Metal Concentration Limits

Metal
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Lead
Mercury
Molybdenum
Nickel
Selenium
Zinc

NOTE 1At high pH (above 11), temperature has a significant effect on

pH readings. Therefore, at high pH levels, the reading must be corrected
to 25C, standard temperature. Table 4 and following examples may be
useful for a better understanding.
NOTE 2pH meters often have temperature correction controls. These
controls correct for probe temperature and conductivity only. Changes in

A
This is the ceiling concentration for Molybdenum. EPA is still developing a
pollutant concentration value.

8. Federal Regulations

TABLE 4 pH Temperature Correction Factors at Varying

Temperatures from Standard
Temperature
Measured, C
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
A

pH Meter
Reading
12.304
12.334
12.364
12.394
12.424
12.454
12.484
12.514
12.544
12.574
12.604

Pollutant
Concentrations (mg/kg)
41
39
1,500
300
17
75A
420
100
2,800

8.1 Introduction:
8.1.1 Pathogen reductionAlkaline materials reduce pathogens in municipal wastewater solids by creating a series of
stresses on the microbial population in the solids. The addition
of an alkaline material raises the pH of the mixture to levels
that are toxic to some microbes, resulting in their reduction or
elimination (5). The exothermic reaction of quicklime with
water also releases heat (often intense) and the resultant
temperature rise helps inactivate pathogens. Hydration of
alkaline oxide materials helps dry the biosolids, further stressing the microorganisms.

Correction Factor (CF),

+/
+
0.15
+
0.12
+
0.09
+
0.06
+
0.03
0.00
12.454A

0.03

0.06

0.09

0.12

0.15

pH of a saturated lime solution at 25C.

8.2 Class A Pathogen Reduction:

4

D6249 06 (2011)
TABLE 5 Matrix of Product Factors
End-Use
Criterion
Percent solids

Related Process Parameter

Process Heat
Heat of hydration and
evaporative heat loss

Input Biosolids
Percent solids

Alkaline Additive
Percent solids

Friability/particle
size/plasticity

Percent solids

Amount added

Percent solids of final mix; bulking

agent; type and amount of mixing

Nutrient content

Nutrient content

Amount added (dilution)

Amount of ammonia driven off; amount

of 9mineralization9 of nitrogen in
chemical reaction; nutrient content of
bulking agent

Organic matter content

Percent volatile solids

Amount added (dilution)

Metals content

Metals content

Metals content

Metals content of bulking agent

Liming potential

CaCO3 equivalency

Ca content
Mg content

Ca, Mg content of bulking agent

pH level and duration

pH, percent solids, ammonia

and alkaline metals content,
buffering capacity

CaO
Ca(OH)2

Final pH of product; granularity or

plasticity of end-product (permeability to
air and water allowing reaction to
product carbonate)

Pathogen reduction

Loss of volatile organics

Other Parameters

9Mineralization9 of organic content in

chemical reaction; organic content of
bulking agent

pH 12 (CaO and Ca(OH)2

content)

Heat level and duration

Dryness of end-product; chemical

destruction of pathogens

Odor potential

Percent ammonia, percent

volatile solids, digestion
process, polymer type and
content

pH-driven ammonia release;

neutralization of malodorous
organics

Volatilization of organics

Thoroughness of mix; odor stripping

during process

Bearing strength

Non-volatile solids

Material available for forming

carbonates; silicates;
aluminates; aluminoferrites

Vaporization of water

Time since product was made; CO2

reaction producing carbonates;
characteristics of bulk agent(s)

Permeability

Cementitious compounds

Time since product was made; CO2

process producing carbonates;
plasticity/friability of bulking agent;
characteristics of bulking agents;
density

8.3.1.1 The time-temperature relation established in 40 CFR

503.32(a)(3) (Alternative 1). (See 6.1.6 for time-temperature
examples.)
8.3.2 Alternative 2 for Meeting Class A: Biosolids Treated
in a High pH-High Temperature-Air Drying Process 40 CFR
503.32(a)(4).
8.3.2.1 Elevating the pH to greater than 12 (measured at
25C) for 72 h or longer,
8.3.2.2 Maintaining the temperature above 52C for at least
12 h during the period that the pH is greater than 12,
8.3.2.3 Air-drying to over 50 % solids after the 72-h period
of elevated pH, and
8.3.2.4 Meeting all the requirements in 6.2.
8.3.3 Alternative 5 for Meeting Class A: Treated in a PFRP
(Pasteurization) Process Listed in 40 CFR 503, App. B, Part
B-Option 7
8.3.3.1 Combined with an Alkaline Method of Vector Attraction Reduction 40 CFR 503.33(b)(6),
raise the temperature to $70C for a minimum of 30
minutes, and

8.2.1 All 40 CFR Part 503 Class A alternatives must meet

the following criteria:
8.2.1.1 Either the density of fecal coliform in the biosolids
must be less than 1000 most probable numbers (MPN) per
gram total solids (dry-weight basis), or the density of Salmonella sp. bacteria in the biosolids must be less than 3 MPN per
4 g of total solids (dry-weight basis).
8.2.1.2 Either of these requirements must be met at one of
the following times: (1) when the biosolids are used or
disposed; (2) when the biosolids are prepared for sale or
give-away in a bag or other container for land application; or
(3) when the biosolids or derived materials are prepared to
meet the requirements of CFR 503 (6).
8.2.1.3 Vector attraction reduction must take place before or
at the same time as pathogen reduction except when the pH
adjustment, percent solids vector attraction, injection, or incorporation options are met for vector attraction reduction.
8.3 Alkaline Processes for Meeting Class A Pathogen Reduction Requirements:
8.3.1 Alternative for Meeting Class A: Biosolids Treated in
a High Temperature Process (through Chemically Produced
Heat).
5

D6249 06 (2011)
8.5.2.1 Raise the pH to at least 12, measured at 25C, and
without the addition of more alkaline material, maintain a pH
of at least 12 for two hours, and
8.5.2.2 Maintain a pH of at least 11.5 without addition of
more alkaline material for an additional 22 h.
8.5.3 The conditions required under this option are designed
to ensure that the biosolids can be stored for at least several
days at the treatment works, transported, and then used or
disposed without the pH falling to the point where putrefaction
occurs and vectors are attracted.

8.3.3.2 Combined naturally with the vector attraction

reduction, raise the pH to $12 for a minimum of two hours,
and maintain the pH $11.5 for an additional 22 h.
8.4 Alkaline Process for Meeting Class B Pathogen Reduction Requirements:
8.4.1 Alternative 2PSRP listed in Appendix B, 40 CFR
Part 503: Alkaline stabilizationsufficient alkaline reagent is
added to the biosolids to raise the pH of the biosolids to 12
after two hours of contact time.
8.4.2 Unlike the comparable Class A requirements, this
alternative does not require microbiological monitoring for
regrowth of fecal coliform or Salmonella sp. bacteria.

8.6 Septage Treatment:

8.6.1 Option 12Alkaline Treatment for Domestic Septage:
8.6.2 This option pertains only to vector attraction reduction
for domestic septage. Under this option, the pH of domestic
septage must be raised to at least 12 and remain at pH 12 or
above for a minimum of 30 min during which no additional
alkaline material may be added.

8.5 Alkaline Process for Meeting Vector Attraction Reduction:

8.5.1 Option 6 Alkali5, addition under specified conditions:
8.5.2 Biosolids are considered to be adequately reduced in
vector attraction if sufficient alkaline material is added to
achieve the following:

9. Keywords
5

40 CFR Part 503 uses the term alkali for any alkaline material. For beneficial
use options, sodium (Na)-based alkaline materials are usually unsuitable due to the
negative effects of sodium on soil physical properties.

9.1 alkaline stabilization; biosolids; high-lime byproducts;

sewage sludge; stabilization; wastewater treatment plant

REFERENCES
(1) LimeHandling, Application and Storage, National Lime Association
Bulletin 213, Arlington VA. 1995.
(2) Technical Support Document for Reduction of Pathogens and Vector
Attraction in Sewage Sludge, USEPA, Offce of Water, NTIS: PB93110609.
(3) POTW Sludge Sampling and Analysis Guidance Document, USEPA,
Permits Division, Washington, DC, First edition. August 1989, NTIS:
PB93-227957.
(4) Preparing Sewage Sludge for Land Application or Surface
DisposalA Guide for Preparers of Sewage Sludge on the

Monitoring, Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements of the

Federal Standards for Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge,40 CFR Part
503, USEPA, Offce of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance,
EPA/813-B-93-002a. NTIS: PB94-102415.
(5) Environmental Regulations and Technology: Control of Pathogens
and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge, USEPA, Offce of Research
and Development, EPA/625/R-92/013.
(6) A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule,USEPA,
Offce of Wastewater Management, EPA/832/R-93/003.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee C07 has identified the location of selected changes to this guide since the last issue,
D6249 98(2004), that may impact the use of this guide. (Approved June 1, 2006)
(1) Added new 1.3.
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